Congratulations 2026 UMD graduates! Your dedication and hard work have finally paid off, and it's time to celebrate this significant milestone in your academic journey. The UMD Grad Party at the Great Lakes Aquarium is Thursday, April 30, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM. Grad Party offers you a wonderful opportunity to come together with your fellow graduates and enjoy a memorable evening filled with delicious food by Sammy’s Pizza, exclusive access to the entire aquarium including interactive exhibits with the animals, and entertainment.
UMD Grad Party 2026
Thursday, April 30
7:00 - 10:00 PM
Great Lakes Aquarium (353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802)
Grad Party promises to be a night to remember. So put on your best attire, get ready to indulge in a scrumptious dinner, and embrace this special moment as you transition from students to graduates. Cheers to your success and to the exciting adventures that lie ahead!
Reservations are required for this event. You must present a state issued ID (e.g. driver's license) or passport for admittance the day of the event. This celebration is open to all graduating students, including students who graduated in the fall of 2025, and their guests. All guests need to purchase a ticket for $15 and do not need to be a graduating student.
FAQs
The Celebration
- Dress in your cocktail attire
- Enjoy Duluth’s Famous Sammy’s Pizza
- Private and exclusive access to the entire Aquarium
- Photo booth with a special underwater message from scuba divers
- Music and entertainment
Event Schedule
- Arrive & Check-in: 7:00 PM
- Cash Bar: 7:00 - 9:30 PM
- First Round of Food Served: 7:00 PM
- Second Round of Food Served: 7:45 PM
- Touchpools & SCUBA Divers: 8:00 - 9:00 PM
- Senior 2025 Toast - Chancellor Nies: 8:30 PM
- Last Call - Cash Bar: 9:30 PM
- Even Concludes: 10:00 PM
Parking
- The parking lot at Great Lakes Aquarium is managed by Interstate Parking.
- Parking Rates: Up to 5 hours $10.00 | Up to 8 hours $15.00 | Up to 24 hours $20.00. Parking for Great Lakes Aquarium members is always free!
- Please contact Interstate Parking directly at [email protected] or call (218) 727-7275 for questions, overnight parking and refunds.
Accommodations & Dietary Requests
- For dietary requests, please contact Alumni Relations at [email protected] at least two weeks prior to the event.
Questions?
- Any further questions? Please contact Alumni Relations at [email protected].